Ecology of Iranian Forest

  Tree uprooting creates multiple microsites that can be effective on soil heterogeneity. In order to investigate the soil features in pit and mound location, twenty hectare areas of Tarbiat Modares University Experimental Forest Station studied that is located in Mazandaran province, in the north of Iran. Numbers of thirty four uprooted trees were found in study areas. Five microsites were considered including mound top, mound wall, pit bottom, pit wall and closed canopy. Soil samples were taken at 0-15, 15-30 and 30 - 45cm depths from all microsites using core soil sampler (81cm² cross section). Results indicated the most CEC, phosphorus, potassium and calcium were recorded in closed canopy. A greater amount of nitrogen was found in pit bottom. CEC, nitrogen, Phosphorus and potassium values had descending trend and calcium showed ascending trend with increasing soil depth. Our findings suggested that the presence of uprooted trees and pit - mound cause soil diversity.